Changing the history of the World Cup.

Fans can watch some matches for free on YouTube.

Under a new partnership agreement between FIFA and YouTube, broadcasters holding the rights will be allowed to stream the first 10 minutes of every match live on the platform. In addition, select matches will also be streamed in their entirety on official YouTube channels, opening up unprecedented access for millions of viewers worldwide.

This move is seen as a strategy to attract a younger generation of viewers, as this audience is increasingly inclined to consume football through digital platforms rather than traditional television. FIFA hopes that offering "free viewing" will encourage viewers to switch to watching full matches through official broadcast channels.

Beyond just live streaming, fans will also have access to a rich content library including highlights, behind-the-scenes videos , short clips, and on-demand content. Notably, FIFA will also open its digital archive, allowing viewers to rewatch classic matches and historical moments from previous World Cups.

The first 10 minutes of each match are streamed for free on YouTube, along with highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and a selection of other matches.

In addition, a global network of content creators will be granted special access to the tournament. They will produce exclusive videos, ranging from tactical analysis to behind-the-scenes stories, contributing fresh perspectives to the competition.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom emphasized: "This partnership allows us to connect fans globally in a way never before seen." Meanwhile, YouTube representative Justin Connolly affirmed that this is a major step forward in enhancing the viewer experience.

With significant changes to the broadcast format, this year's tournament promises to be more accessible than ever before, breaking down traditional barriers to enjoying top-tier football.

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the largest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches. The opening match is scheduled for the early morning of June 12th, and the final for the early morning of July 20th (Vietnam time).

Why doesn't Ronaldo score more goals at the World Cup? Ronaldo is an outstanding striker in the world of football and has never missed a World Cup. However, the number of goals scored by the Portuguese striker seems modest compared to what he has achieved at the club level.